Fodder case: Congress says law same for everybody

Congress today gave a guarded response to Lalu Prasad's conviction in fodder case, saying law is same for everybody, even as it steered clear of questions on future alliance with RJD.

"It's too early to say what impact it will have on alliance in Bihar and Jharkhand. We cannot say anything on what will happen about alliance," party communication department chief Ajay Maken told reporters.

Maken's remarks are significant as there was intense speculation in the party about a future tie-up in Bihar with either Lalu Prasad's RJD, or its arch-rival JD(U), which walked out NDA in Bihar on June 16 protesting over Narendra Modi's elevation as BJP's campaign committee chief.

A couple of months back, Congress and RJD, had come together to support Jharkahand Mukti Morcha to form a government in Jharkhand. All three parties are participating in the state government under JMM's Hemant Soren.

Reacting to the judgement, Maken said, "There should not be political reactions on a judicial process. This is a judicial process and we would not like to comment on it. As we always says judicial process should go on without any hindrance."

Asked whether UPA government was bringing the Ordinance on convicted law-makers to protect Prasad, the Congress general secretary said that party Vice President Rahul Gandhi has already expressed his views on the Ordinance.

"The Congress party's views on the ordinance are well known to everyone and they were made clear by our leader and Vice President Rahul Gandhi. He had aired the views on September 27," he said.

Union Minister Sachin Pilot said, "Law is same for everybody whether it is bureaucrats, journalists or businessmen. Law is supreme. We have faith in the judiciary and everyone must abide by it.

Party leader Rashid Alvi said he has respect for the judgement given by the court as "law does not discriminate between person to person. Law has taken its own course."